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Shaitan backdrop

Shaitan

1 June 2011Hindi2h 6m
ActionCrimeDramaThriller
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 critic reviews

Nambiar's stylish thriller dazzles visually but runs thin on story and purpose.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: stylised direction and cinematography
  • Criticised: style over substance, narrative repetition

Audience

User score 6.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for Shaitan is divided, with scores ranging from 40 to 80 out of 100. Supporters praised its stylised cinematography, background score, and the distinctive directorial voice of Bejoy Nambiar, with some calling it one of the most intense thrillers from Hindi cinema in recent years. Detractors felt the film relies too heavily on style over substance, with complaints that the narrative loses momentum, becomes repetitive, and that its graphic violence exists largely for shock value rather than dramatic purpose.

How the 8 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    It isn't as daring as Anurag Kashyap's debut 'Paanch' whose themes it clearly mirrors, but it's got many moments that'll surprise you.

  2. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Shaitan loses steam, becomes repetitive and ends in a whimper. Which is a shame because Nambiar has talent to burn.

  3. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    In the end, it's all flash. This Shaitan is more SprayTan than Satan, staring us down and daring us to look away. Who blinks first? We do. Several times over.

  4. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    On the whole, SHAITAN is bound to raise eyebrows thanks to its contemporary, thrilling, hard-hitting and forceful content. One of the most ingenious and entertaining thrillers I've seen in a long time. Also, it's one of the most stimulating and intense films to come out of the Hindi film industry. I am sure everyone would be able to connect with SHAITAN. Try not to miss this one!

  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Shaitan may or may not be the best thing to happen to Hindi cinema, and reactions to the film will probably differ. But whether you hate, love or are left indifferent by it, give it a shot. Mainly because it's made by a filmmaker with a unique voice. Most don't have any.

  7. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Violence is comical, as kinky porn would be to an average adult. Gore is graphic, but pretty much for the shocking sake of it.

  8. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    On the whole, Shaitan is a well-made film with a rich background score, stylised cinematography and efficient performances as its high points. It may not have taken a good start but it has the merits to pick up in the good multiplexes of the cities on the strength of the youth audience. Considering its modest budget on the one hand and the dull start on the other, it would prove to be an average fare after collections pick up.

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Cast

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